Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2021

Region and Vineyards

The grapes for the Y Series Viognier 2021 are sourced from multiple vineyard sites across South Australia, offering both cool and warm climate influences. Planted at elevations from 150 to 1500 feet, these vineyards are selected for their ability to showcase Viognier’s classic floral and apricot notes balanced by natural freshness. The diverse soils, from sandy loams to clay loams, add layers of minerality and texture to the wine.

The vineyards are managed sustainably, holding ISO14001 and Entwine Australia certifications, and adhering to Yalumba’s commitment to environmental responsibility. This sustainable approach is further reflected in their minimal intervention practices, which allow the unique terroir and varietal character of each vineyard to be expressed in the final wine.

Winemaking

The Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2021 is crafted from 100% Viognier, fermented with wild indigenous yeasts to preserve natural aromas and enhance complexity. The winemaking process begins with a short period on solids (1-4 days) before wild fermentation initiates in stainless steel tanks, allowing for a controlled but natural fermentation. The wine is left on its lees for three months, enhancing its creamy texture and palate richness without any oak influence.

This approach, combined with Yalumba’s nearly 40 years of experience with Viognier, yields a wine that balances freshness with richness, creating a Viognier that is vibrant and true to its varietal characteristics. The wine is vegan-friendly, reflecting Yalumba’s commitment to natural and minimally processed wines.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright straw with green hues.
• Aroma: Inviting aromas of orange blossom, fresh ginger, honeysuckle, and white flowers.
• Palate: Fresh and vibrant, with flavors of apricot, white tea, dried figs, and fennel. The mid-palate is creamy, leading to a silky, textural finish enhanced by the wild fermentation and lees aging.

Did You Know?

Yalumba is a pioneer in Australian Viognier, having planted the first commercial vines of this variety in 1980 in Eden Valley. Their deep knowledge and commitment to this varietal are reflected in each bottle, making Yalumba a leading name for Viognier in Australia.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Harissa-spiced chicken: Complements the wine’s floral notes and creamy texture.
• Crispy rice pancakes with potato and chickpeas: Matches well with the wine’s freshness and adds a savory layer to the pairing.

History of Yalumba

The story of Yalumba began when Samuel Smith, a brewer from Dorset, England, emigrated to Australia with his family in 1847. After settling in Angaston, South Australia, Smith planted his first vineyard two years later, naming it “Yalumba”, which means “all the land around” in the language of the indigenous Peramangk people. Over the years, Yalumba evolved from a small vineyard to a prominent winery, with each generation contributing to its growth and prestige.

Under the leadership of Robert Hill-Smith, a fifth-generation family member, Yalumba modernized its winemaking practices, expanded its global reach, and committed to sustainability and innovation. Robert emphasized the production of dry red wines with a focus on Cabernet Shiraz, a style deeply rooted in Yalumba’s heritage since the late 1800s. The Yalumba team also prioritized nurturing their vine Nursery, established in 1975 to select quality grafted vines, contributing to the winery’s exceptional fruit quality and diversity.

Region and Vineyards

Yalumba’s vineyards are located in Barossa Valley, Eden Valley, and Coonawarra—renowned regions in South Australia. These sites offer diverse terroirs, from the fertile red and ochre soils of the Barossa to the terra rossa soils of Coonawarra, ideal for growing robust Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Yalumba’s Coonawarra vineyards, such as the Menzies Vineyard, provide structure and depth to their Cabernet, while the Eden Valley is well-suited for aromatic whites, including Riesling and Viognier. This diversity allows Yalumba to produce a range of wines that capture the essence of their distinct terroirs.

Yalumba practices sustainable viticulture, embodied in their Vitis Programme, which minimizes pesticide use and focuses on environmental stewardship. The winery’s on-site cooperage allows them to control oak quality, aging their wines in custom barrels made from French, Hungarian, and American oak, enhancing the character and balance of each wine.

Wine Range of Yalumba

Yalumba offers a diverse portfolio, from premium varietals to iconic blends:

• The Caley: A flagship Cabernet Shiraz blend symbolizing the heritage of Barossa and Coonawarra.
• The Signature: An age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz honoring significant figures in Yalumba’s history.
• Samuel’s Collection: A range highlighting the Barossa’s classic varietals like Grenache, Shiraz, and Riesling.
• Y Series: An accessible line emphasizing fresh, fruit-forward expressions of varietals like Viognier, Shiraz, and Chardonnay.
• Rare & Fine Collection: Featuring exclusive, small-batch wines including Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra and Virgilius Viognier.

Did You Know?

Yalumba is one of the few wineries worldwide with an in-house cooperage, where they handcraft barrels to age their wines. This rare expertise allows them to control the quality of oak, ensuring each wine’s character aligns with their precise vision.